When to Plant Peppers in Clarke County, VA
Sweet peppers are warm-season crops producing fruits in a rainbow of colors. They turn from green to red, yellow, or orange as they ripen, increasing in sweetness.
Clarke County, Virginia is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 24 and the first fall frost is October 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 177 days.
At an elevation of 1,168 feet, Clarke County receives approximately 52.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Peppers during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Peppers root diseases.
Clarke County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.4-6.9
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Plant Water Budget
Peppers Planting Timeline — Clarke County, VA
Peppers Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 13 | Feb 13 – Feb 27 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 8 | May 8 – May 22 |
| Direct Sow | May 1 | May 1 – May 22 |
| Harvest | July 10 | Jul 10 – Sep 18 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
60–90 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 6b
Growing Season
177 days
Growing Tips for Clarke County
Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost. Transplant when nighttime temperatures stay above 55F. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers which promote leaves over fruit.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Isolate 300 ft for purity. Hot and sweet peppers can cross-pollinate.
Peppers in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Peppers in Clarke County, VA?
Clarke County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 24. Plan your Peppers planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Clarke County, VA?
Clarke County, Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 24 and first fall frost is October 18.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Clarke County gardeners in Zone 6b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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